#acoustic meeting pods

[800silentpod]

Why Do You Need a Silent Pod?

Explore why a silent pod is essential for productivity and privacy. Discover benefits like noise reduction, mental well-being, and flexibility with 800 Silent Pod in Dubai. Call +971-56-392-5955.

[fermannacoustics]

Improve Office Efficiency with Top-rated Acoustic and Meeting Pods

In today's fast-paced business environment, creating a productive and distraction-free workspace is more important than ever. Fermann Acoustics stands at the forefront of providing exceptional acoustic solutions designed to enhance the office experience. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Fermann Acoustics offers a range of products that cater to the modern demands of office soundproofing, ensuring that employees can work efficiently without the disruption of background noise.

Fermann Acoustics specializes in crafting acoustic solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their products are engineered to meet the highest standards of soundproofing, ensuring that office environments are conducive to concentration and collaboration. This makes Fermann Acoustics a leading choice for businesses seeking to optimize their workspace for maximum productivity and employee satisfaction.

Create Private Spaces in Open Offices with Our Acoustic Pods

Among their flagship products are the acoustic pods, which are ideal for creating private spaces within open-plan offices. As trusted acoustic pods for offices suppliers, Fermann Acoustics delivers pods that effectively reduce noise levels, allowing for uninterrupted focus and creativity. Additionally, their meeting booth pods provide a versatile solution for team discussions and brainstorming sessions, making them a preferred option among meeting booth pods suppliers.

Further enhancing their product lineup, Fermann Acoustics offers soundproof telephone booths, perfect for private calls and video conferences. As renowned soundproof telephone booth suppliers, they ensure that these booths provide the necessary privacy and sound isolation to facilitate clear and confidential communication. For broader applications, their soundproof booths for offices offer adaptable solutions to various business needs, establishing Fermann Acoustics as leading soundproof booths for offices suppliers.

Choosing Fermann Acoustics means partnering with a company dedicated to transforming office spaces into havens of productivity and collaboration. Their innovative solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of modern businesses, providing unparalleled support and expertise. Explore Fermann Acoustics' offerings today and see how their advanced acoustic solutions can enhance your office environment.

[ubalpineindia]

Create focus & privacy with high-quality and customizable Office Phone Booth or Meeting booth having Aluminum frame structure with required sound-proof/acoustic materials in panels, roof and floor. You can make your confidential Phone calls, zoom calls, interviews and discussions without any disturbance at your workspaces.

[800phonepod]

How to Design an Ergonomic Workspace That Boosts Productivity?

Introduction:

Welcome to the ultimate guide on designing an ergonomic workspace that revolutionizes productivity! Are you tired of feeling uncomfortable and unproductive in your current workspace? It’s time to make a change. In this blog, we’ll explore practical design tips and innovative solutions to create a workspace that not only supports good posture but also maximizes efficiency and creativity. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to a more ergonomic and productive work environment. Plus, with the expertise of 800Phonepod, #1 Silent Pods and Meeting Booths Suppliers and Manufacturer’s in Dubai and across UAE, we ensure optimal workplace solutions.

The Importance of Ergonomics:

Before we delve into specific design tips, let’s first understand why ergonomics matters in the workplace. Ergonomics is the science of designing environments and products to fit the people who use them, with the goal of optimizing comfort, safety, and efficiency. By prioritizing ergonomics in your workspace design, you can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, improve overall well-being, and boost productivity among employees.

Design Tips for an Ergonomic Workspace:

Invest in Ergonomic Chairs:

Ergonomic chairs are a cornerstone of any ergonomic workspace. Look for chairs with adjustable features such as seat height, lumbar support, and armrests to accommodate different body types and preferences. Proper support for the spine and lower back is essential for maintaining good posture and reducing the risk of discomfort and fatigue during long hours of work.

Embrace Standing Desks:

Standing desks offer a versatile alternative to traditional seated workstations. They allow employees to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This dynamic approach to working promotes better circulation and reduces the risk of sedentary behavior. It also improves overall energy levels and focus. Consider investing in height-adjustable standing desks to provide flexibility and accommodate individual preferences.

Introduce Personal Work Pods:

In open office environments where distractions are common, personal work pods provide a secluded space for employees to focus on tasks without interruptions. These pods are equipped with soundproofing materials and customizable features, allowing individuals to create their ideal work environment tailored to their specific needs. By fostering a quiet and private space for deep work, personal work pods can significantly enhance productivity and concentration.

Facts and Data:

Research conducted by the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics found that ergonomic interventions in the workplace can lead to a 16% increase in productivity. Additionally, there was a 40% reduction in discomfort among employees. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that employees who had control over their workspace design experienced higher levels of job satisfaction. They also demonstrated improved performance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, designing an ergonomic workspace is essential for creating a productive, comfortable, and healthy environment for employees. Incorporate ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and personal work pods into your workspace design. This supports good posture, reduces fatigue, and enhances overall productivity. As leaders in ergonomic office solutions, 800Phonepod is committed to helping businesses optimize their workspaces. Our goal is to achieve maximum efficiency and employee satisfaction. We are recognized as the Best Ergonomic Silent Pods and Meeting Booths Designers and Developers Company in Dubai. Contact us today to explore our range of ergonomic furniture. Take the first step towards creating a workspace that empowers your team to thrive.

OFFICE Address –

RATW, DY 21, Al Jadaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Toll Free No: 800-737-4652

Mobile: 055 380 5148 / +971 56 392 5955

Email: inquiry@800phonepod.com

Website - https://800phonepod.com/

Our Social Media Presence –

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/800PHONEPOD 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/800_phonepod/

LinkedIn - https://ae.linkedin.com/company/800phonepod

[pergola-company-in-dubai]

How to Design an Ergonomic Workspace That Boosts Productivity?

Discover practical design tips for creating an ergonomic workspace that boosts productivity & well-being. Explore ergonomic pods & booth designs by experts.

[silentpodsandmeetingbooths]

Value vs. Cost: Understanding the Financial Benefits of Investing in Silent Pods & Meeting Booths

Introduction:

Amidst the vibrant city of Dubai, where innovation and ambition intersect, the significance of fostering productive work environments cannot be emphasized enough. As businesses strive to optimize their operations and enhance employee well-being, the value proposition of soundproof pods and booths becomes increasingly apparent. At 800Phonepod, a Leading silent pod designer, suppliers in Dubai, UAE, we understand the significance of balancing value and cost when investing in workplace solutions. Join us as we delve into the financial benefits of incorporating soundproof pods and booths into your office space, and discover why they are a worthwhile investment for businesses in Dubai and across the UAE.

The Value of Soundproof Pods & Booths:

In today’s fast-paced business world, disruptions can have a significant impact on productivity and focus. Soundproof pods and booths offer a sanctuary within the workplace, providing employees with a quiet space to concentrate, collaborate, and recharge. By minimizing distractions and reducing noise pollution, these innovative solutions contribute to a more conducive work environment, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and higher employee satisfaction.

Improved Productivity:

Numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between workplace environment and employee productivity. According to research conducted by the University of Sydney, a quiet office environment can lead to a 48% increase in productivity. By investing in soundproof pods and booths, businesses can create the ideal conditions for focused work, leading to tangible improvements in output and performance.

Enhanced Collaboration:

While privacy and focus are essential, so too is collaboration. Soundproof pods and booths strike the perfect balance between solitude and teamwork, providing employees with a space where they can collaborate without disrupting others. Whether it’s a brainstorming session or a confidential meeting, these versatile solutions enable seamless communication and idea sharing, fostering innovation and creativity within the workplace.

Employee Well-being:

Employee well-being is a top priority for businesses seeking to attract and retain top talent. Soundproof pods and booths contribute to a positive work environment by offering employees a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the open office layout. Dedicated space for quiet work or relaxation helps reduce stress levels. It promotes overall mental health, leading to happier, more engaged employees.

Understanding the Financial Benefits:

The upfront cost of investing in soundproof pods and booths may seem daunting. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term financial benefits they offer. By improving productivity, enhancing collaboration, and boosting employee well-being, these solutions deliver a significant return on investment over time. Additionally, the versatility and durability of soundproof pods and booths ensure that they remain valuable assets for years to come.

Reduced Real Estate Costs:

One of the most significant financial benefits of soundproof pods and booths is their ability to optimize space utilization. Businesses can create designated areas for focused work and collaboration within the existing office layout. This helps maximize the use of their square footage. This may reduce the need for additional office space and save on real estate costs.

Lower Turnover Rates:

Investing in employee well-being pays dividends in the form of reduced turnover rates. Providing employees with a comfortable and productive work environment is key. It can increase job satisfaction and loyalty, thereby reducing recruitment and training costs linked to employee turnover.

Energy Efficiency:

Many soundproof pods and booths are equipped with energy-efficient features such as LED lighting and climate control systems. Minimizing energy consumption helps businesses lower utility bills. It also reduces their carbon footprint, resulting in long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the financial benefits of investing in soundproof pods and booths far outweigh the initial cost. As the best silent pods and Meeting booth Installation Services Provider Company in Dubai, 800Phonepod is dedicated to offering businesses innovative solutions. These solutions aim to maximize value and enhance workplace productivity. Soundproof Silent pods and booths prioritize employee well-being. They optimize space utilization, providing a compelling return on investment. This is beneficial for businesses aiming to enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Connect with us and witness firsthand how our soundproof solutions can elevate your workplace experience.

OFFICE Address –

RATW, DY 21, Al Jadaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Toll Free No: 800-737-4652

Mobile: 055 380 5148 / +971 56 392 5955

Email: inquiry@800phonepod.com

Website - https://800phonepod.com/

Our Social Media Presence –

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/800PHONEPOD 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/800_phonepod/

LinkedIn - https://ae.linkedin.com/company/800phonepod

[interiorergonomics]

(via Modern Workplace Self-isolation: Best Strategy)

[residenthughes]

coming home - connor dewar

pairing: connor dewar x fem! reader

word count: 11k

tags/warning: friends to lovers, childhood friends to lovers, fluff, slight angst?, mentions of alcohol/drinking, minor swearing

summary: your entire life has entailed having connor by your side, no matter where the universe carves your paths. back home for the summer leading up to your final year of university, there's much to ponder - even your own feelings about your best friend.

notes: this is genuinely a labour of love, the longest fic i've written in a long time 😭 i wanted this to be short and sweet, but it's long and sweet and i don't know how to feel about that lmao. but (!!!) i am really proud/happy about how this has come together and i hope you all enjoy this fic just as much as i loved writing it 😇 this is mostly proofread, but it is 5 in the morning, so I'll return to this soon! (apologizes for any errors towards the end!) more dewey content shall be coming soon, hehe! much love! <333

(also! this is very much in celebration of dewey's first goal as a leaf, teehee! 😁💗⭐️)

Summer’s always your favourite time of the year. Tan lines, midnight drives, fireworks, the beach. So much sweetness is in the breezy summer air and you simply can’t get enough. You wouldn’t admit it, but your favourite part of the season is when one of your closest friends, Connor, comes up from his gruelling hockey season and returns to the slow and laid-back lifestyle of your small town. Having grown up next door neighbours the majority of your lives, you quickly became two peas in a pod, always together with laughter following closeby.

Your friendship is something you’ve always treasured, held in some reclusive and special part of your heart that only houses your fated connection. No matter how mundane your time together may be - Connor strumming his acoustic guitar and you reading as the citrus sunset dips into the horizon - it's all so memorable to you and nothing, as you’ve come to experience, can ever replace his place in your life. However, life is a constant cycle of change and that first dose came when you two were fourteen, too awkward for your own good and growing out of your bodies. Connor was selected to play in a high-level hockey league hours away from your hometown and as your fingertips buried themselves into his tear-soaked t-shirt, you swore nothing could compare to this pain. The absolute tear of your beating heart out of your raw chest that ached with every gasp. You were a mess, undeterred by your futile attempt to appear as nonchalant at your silly age, but the second Connor stood on your porch, luggage in hand and the sadest tinge in his sage eyes, you fell apart.

Despite the sheer anguish you experienced that crisp autumn day, you adjusted. Stayed in contact with your best friend and continued to build up your life in his absence. Completed all your teenage rites of passage - took some extracurriculars, went to prom (you wanted to ask Connor, but ultimately decided against it), graduated high school and started attending university in Calgary - nine hours away from home. So many things changed and some still stayed the same. Connor was still as hockey obsessed and through his diligent efforts, he’s achieved his dreams of playing in the NHL night after night. You were there for draft day and there for his first game, university be damned. As was Connor, in the stands during your high school graduation and any time you needed him, whether that was him sitting on the phone with you until four in the morning or meeting up with you halfway across two countries because he felt like it. There was always something so spectacular about you two, your stories detailed by destiny and hung amongst the stars. A divine creation that despite the odds, of paths that have taken you two elsewhere, always merged because that is simply how it’s meant to be.

And, so it is, your last summer before your final year and here you are, fingertips tapping against the wooden bar as your leg jerks in anticipation of a figure that will come through your hometown bar, Punch & Judy’s doors any minute now.

Your best friend, Charlotte, manages to interweave your antsy fingers in between hers, a nurturing smile across her smooth face. “He’ll get here, don’t worry.”

Your eyebrows quirk, your legs stopping all motion. “Who said anything about worrying?”

She rolls her eyes, unamused. “You know what I mean,”

Then, she goes on to untangle your fingers, leaning her crossed arms against the bar occupied by the usual mellow group of regulars, including your own bunch of friends. “Besides, you know him. Knowing you’re here, he’s tryna get here quicker than a New York minute.”

A funny feeling flips in the pits of your stomach, an immediate flush coating the apples of your cheeks as you clumsily grab at your cider bottle. Connor always poked fun at your inability to enjoy a cold one, resorting to fruity flavours of cider. “He’s a law-abiding citizen, he’ll wait for the greenlight even if it kills him.”

“If you say so,” Charlotte casts you a glance out of the corner of her eye, smugness tugging at the corners of her lips as she takes another swig of her beer. The bell signifying the main door opening sounds in the background. “Oh, look. Speak of the devil and he shall appear! Hey there, stranger!”

Suddenly, your attention is elsewhere, eyes pinned to the tall silhouette that struts through the doorway of the LED ridden bar, kind eyes and a kinder smile with his tousled hickory hair and hushed voice finding its way to your eardrums again after so long. It’s like coming home again, watching from afar as close friends fall into endless hugs, your reunion saved for last as you beam a closed mouthed smile, reproduced by your best friend who opens his arms for a hug that solely belongs to you. You fall into him instinctively, inhaling his soft woody scent as you bury yourself in his embrace, the pendulum of your life coming to a pause as your universe centres.

“Get a room, you two!” Connor’s brother, Quinn taunts from over your shoulder, eliciting an exaggerated sigh from you as you’re reluctantly reminded of the lame chirps he seems to be full of whenever you and Connor are together.

You ignore him, savouring the moment for what its momentarily worth before Connor’s pulling away, arms loosely wrapped around the circumference of your waist as he peers down at you with those same green eyes you’ve known your entire life.

“Hi.” you breathe, short and sweet.

He simpers, something coy in the lines of his smile as he replies back, “hi.”

It’s a simple greeting, but there’s so much more in those few syllables - the endless gravity of your shared experiences and fondest memories making their way back to each other. Your eyes linger for a minute longer, taking in each other’s presence that’s long been missed due to your busy schedules leading up to your summer break. You part ways and despite how fulfilled you are to have him here and see him after some time, there’s a small knack that nags at you - hollow and wanting as you venture to a booth nearby, squishing up in between Charlotte and another one of your guy friends, Owen Power, who like Connor has been busting his ass in the NHL and friends with you all for longer than you can remember. You all chatter amongst yourselves with Connor’s brother sitting across from you, a discussion brewing as Connor returns shortly after getting a drink at the bar, sliding beside his brother with a beer in hand.

“Come on, Connie. Help me out here, these guys have lost the plot.” His brother argues, an eye roll your response.

Connor looks between your group, a knit in his eyebrows. “What’s the deal?”

“They’re tryna say, get this - that dolphins are more dangerous than damn orcas. Can you believe that?” Quinn attests, expression pinched as he ruffles the curls of his bleached hair sticking out his snapback.

“Hey! We’re well within reason to be arguing with you. You on the other hand? I don’t think so.” Charlotte proclaims, an accusatory finger directed towards Quinn.

“Yeah, not gonna lie, Quinn. You’re severely underestimating how evil dolphins are,” concludes Owen, his hand raised as he pushes up his glasses on the bridge of his sunkissed nose.

Quinn guffaws, jaw slack as his eyes flicker between everyone’s faces in quick succession, clearly in disbelief. “Are you hearing this right now?”

“Look, Q - we’ve been over this,” you start, hands extending as if to make sense of your proposed point. “You’ve been fed dolphin propaganda. We’ve literally shown you so many resources about their heinous crimes. Take it or leave it.”

Quinn groans, elbowing his older brother who wordlessly listens to the ongoing conversation. “Bro! A little help would be nice.”

A brief pause follows his younger brother’s melodrama, Connor weighing out the arguments of a conversation he hadn’t been here for, his eyes flickering over towards yours fleetingly. An unexplained shiver runs down your spine, the action camouflaged poorly as you appear to distract yourself from the sensation, fingernails scratching against the lines of your neck as you look up at the ceiling.

“Hello?!” hollers Quinn.

You swear he loves to hear himself talk.

“They’re right,” Connor concludes, eyes set on you as he speaks before he takes a swig of his beer, focusing back onto his brother. “Personally, I think you’ve been taking one too many trips to Sea World.”

“The promised land of dolphin propaganda.” mentions Charlotte.

“This is ridiculous!” Quinn exclaims, sending a heavy elbow into his older brother’s arm, all of which barely gains any sort of response from him. “What happened to honour amongst bros, huh? They don’t have that in Minnesota or what?”

Connor scoffs lightly, his smile reading amused as his head turns towards his brother. “That doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything you say.”

Quinn mumbles something under his breath, clearly displeased. “I forget you’re my harshest critic.”

Their double act entices the crowd, your circle of friends laughing amongst yourselves as Quinn folds his shoulders with his usual theatrics. No one buys into it, much less Connor who drapes his arm loosely around his brother’s squared shoulders, leaning in with a tickled pink smile that reflects within your own expression.

“You’re just mad I won’t kiss your ass.”

That earns him a shove off Quinn’s shoulders, sending him into a fit of laughter. Everyone chortles along, basking in the merriment of the moment before you’re delving into other non-controversial topics, indulging everyone in the bits and pieces of your lives they’ve missed and just like that, you're four drinks in and so sentimental it hurts. Owen suggests a walk around the town centre, a tradition you cannot help but all agree to as you all shimmy out of your respective booth, bidding Judy at the bar farewell as you file out of the establishment.

The cobalt sky dazzles with stars you’ve forgotten shine so bright here, the midday heat nowhere in sight as a cool breeze pushes you forwards. You linger behind Quinn as he impulsively hops onto Owen’s back, who stumbles at the sudden weight whilst Charlotte laughs at the unfolding scene. Nostalgia warms your heart at the sight, eyes half-closed and posture relaxing as the warm summer night holds you close and kisses your worries goodbye.

An arm drapes over your shoulders, your slow strides matching up with Connor’s as he looks to you, smile small and earnest as he playfully challenges, “Since when did you know about dolphin propaganda?”

You gasp, humour shaping your lips. “Well, you’ve been in my ear most of my life yapping about it, so…”

“Hey, I’m just saying - was I wrong?” the smirk on his face attests to his unwavering confidence and as you catch a whiff of his woody cologne, you roll your eyes in defeat, smile still on your lips.

“Considering you wore a shark tooth to school, I didn’t think so.”

You have to bite back the wide smile that fights to spread across your face, a few snickers here and there escaping before the loose ring around your shoulders closes in, Connor smushing your face inwards against the strength of his bicep. You can’t help but laugh throughout, swatting away his pesky grip that lasts no longer than a few seconds before all you hear is the echoes of your winded chuckles. In an effort to stabilise yourself from the momentary loss of oxygen, your hand seeks Connor’s, holding onto his larger and warmer as your feet hit the pavement in unison.

“Feels good to be back, doesn’t it?”

You let your head fall to Connor’s shoulder, arm wrapping around his lower back as your steps sync with such ease. A lightness in your limbs and how perceptive you can be to the sounds of downtown - car horns, hushed chatter and the like - let you know there’s nowhere you’d rather be right now than here. Back at home, with your best friends and your partner in crime who you answer in the form of a hum.

-

Your first few days back in the Pas are slow and uneventful, most of your time spent decompressing from the taxing semester and unpacking your items, all of which you didn’t know just how much you possessed. In an effort to make the most of the sunshine and get out the house for reasons other than your part time job at the local diner, you sign up for community gardening activities and ask the groupchat if anyone wants to come along. Everyone appears to have plans, except for Connor, who in the early hours of the next morning, picks you up from your childhood home and drives into town where for the next few hours, you’re knee deep in dirt under the blaring sun as you plant various kinds of greenery to spotlight the natural beauty of your rustic town.

What is certain, when early afternoon pours in, painting the sky in shades of honey and tangerine, you’re exhausted beyond belief. You have no idea how Connor makes the drive home, yet he does and when you two collapse into the hammock in your family’s backyard, your lips are slack and echoing more yawns than you can contain.

“That was great and all, but that’s knocked me out,” Connor groans, limp body shuffling in the confinements of the cotton hammock hanging off one of the trees in your backyard. The same tree which holds the treehouse you and Connor partially lived in throughout your youth. “That was more tiring than hockey practice.”

You’re tired and easily distracted, your head perched up in a way that puts the treehouse in your direct eye-line. “Remember when we’d watch movies in that treehouse?”

A brief pause follows, occupied by the tranquil chirps and running water from the nearby bird bath. “Yeah, I’d always wanna watch Jaws but you wanted to watch Disney movies.”

You give him a laugh, shuffling yourself in order to get comfortable in the small space. Why did you two think this would work like it did ten years ago? The thought occurs to you, but you brush it off to save yourself additional mental load, making the adjustments to cater to some form of comfortability in the tiny space. Even if that means sacrificing your shared personal space as your body overlaps onto Connor’s strong and firm one.

“Says the guy who knows the all the songs in Lemonande Mouth,” you counter, “And, Let it Shine.”

Without missing a beat, in his sleepy voice, Connor replies with, “kissy kissy, Roxanne, did you miss me?”

Groaning despite the snickers slipping past your lips, you bury your head into Connor’s chest, refusing to hear the rest of his ramblings. “My girl is hotter than your girl, you know it! You know it.”

To get your point across, you unbury your head, wide eyes peering up at your best friend who’s so amused by this all, hair messy and smile stretching from ear to ear. A bright sight. “Can you not?”

“You’re just hating 'cause I sing better than you.” He follows that by sticking his tongue out at you, so mature for his age that you grant him the response of a heavy sigh and an averted gaze, settling back into the peace and serenity of your backyard.

However, the silence doesn’t last long before you’re speaking again.

“Your hair’s getting long,” you observe, fingertips dancing along Connor’s nape as you absently fiddle with the long strands of his hair, silky between your fingers. “You should let me cut it.”

“Name a time and place, and I’ll be there,” he mumbles sleepily against the crown of your head, soothing you further towards a serene sleep. “Unless you fuck it up. Then, I won’t forgive you.”

You give him the satisfaction of a laugh tucked away in your chest, the ghost of a smile dissipating as the aches of a hard work’s start to plunge their teeth into your flesh and bones, body like cement as you sink further into the comfort of the hammock, into the comfort of your calm summer afternoon.

“One of my friends from my team’s supposed to be coming up for a night or two,” Connor croaks, voice hoarse and the gentle breeze of the summer’s day pecking your skin in an act of love. “Think…you’ll all get along with him quite well.”

His point is punctuated by a tired yawn that proves to be contagious as you mirror the action moments after, eyes unbearably heavy as time moves slow like molasses, body further sinking against Connor’s. You don’t even stop yourself from falling asleep, only blinking away the exhausted sting in your eyes to answer your best friend.

“Can’t wait,” you mumble, adjusting your body against Connor as your limbs slot together like puzzle pieces, matched at every curve as slumber envelopes you two in a kind embrace. “It’ll be good - the visit…and the rest of summer.”

Your words trail in a drowsy daze, tone doused in sleepiness as your eyes can no longer keep themselves open, glimpses of hickory branches and pear leaves wishing you peace and serenity as you finally fall asleep.

-

Your shift at the local diner passes without as much traffic as expected, local patrons ordering their usual with a few tourists dropping by to try the culinary experience of your average but nostalgic diner food. Due to how quiet the establishment is - Mabel, your boss and long-time owner of the diner - lets you off early and with a hug, you scurry back to your family house to get ready for the night's events. After dozing off with Connor in the hammock out back, your mother softly awoke to you with a holler she’s used since the dawn of time.

“Up and at ‘em, kids. Dinner’s ready!” in the distance of your dreams, you hear your mother yell.

With drowsy film still coating your eyes, you and Connor manage to dislodge your limbs from one another, sleepy smiles and croaky chuckles exchanged as you amble inside your house and Connor stays for a filling homemade meal that everyone at the dining table fawns over. Connor hangs back as you venture into the kitchen to wash up, a tradition you two have forged, him washing the dishes and you drying them. Not much dialogue takes place between the two of you and there is no need. For all the instances where you believed the need for conversation, you appreciate this silence so much more - how there’s no urge to talk for the sake of talking and how much comfort there is with simply just being with Connor. After you’ve done the washing up and Connor’s hugged your mother goodbye, fist bumping your father hilariously enough, he’s climbing into his car and wishing you well.

“You sure you don’t need me to pick you up from Mabel’s?” coaxes Connor, the wiggle of his eyebrows offsetting the echoes of titters that leave your lips.

“I’m good, thanks. Need to shower and get ready, anyways,” a gentle gust of wind blows, fallen leaves scraping against the cement of your driveway. “We all know how long that takes.”

“I don’t mind waiting.” Connor simpers, says like it’s the easiest thing in the world and like it doesn’t demand for the city of butterflies within you to soar beyond their ability.

You flash a strained smile, giving the top of Connor’s car a pat as your posture straightens and you step away from the vehicle. “Goodbye, Connor.”

“See you soon.” and just like that, he’s gone with the wind, taking a little piece of you with him.

It’s when you’re strolling your way back inside the house, halfway up the stairs to your bedroom that your mom gives you a gentle call, beckoning you back down the stairs to find her in the dimly lit living room, mahogany reading glasses hanging low on the bridge of her nose whilst the quiet snores of your father and his baseball game fill in the background noise.

She folds her newspaper, crinkles running up your spine as she addresses you. “So good to have Connie over, makes me miss him more when he’s away.”

Connor is like a son to her, the better part of your childhood glued at the hip whilst your parents cooed and awed at your loyalty to one another. He helps around the house with no complaint nor expectation of compensation, buys her favourite flowers every Mother’s day with an additional heartfelt gift come her birthday. He listens, he jokes and he cares. What more could she ask for?

“Can’t imagine how much more you miss him whilst you’re away.” she comments, throwing her denim clad leg over the other, directing all her attention to you, swaying between two feet with your hands behind your back, sceptical.

“Well, we try to meet up when we can, so it’s not too bad,” your hand goes to scratch the back of your neck, chin jutted as your head leans to the side. “…Is that why you called me down?”

Awkwardness rarely rears its head in your household built upon openness and unconditional love, which is why the unspoken truth your mother struggles to vocalise raises a red flag, your skin prickling as you fiddle with your hands behind your back.

She’s looking at you now, a maternal love in her eyes as she speaks up. “Maybe, I can’t really put my finger on it, really. I did, however, want to say that I hope you guys keep each other in your lives, however that may pan out in the future. There’s a special happiness in your eyes I want you two to be selfish with.”

It’s a small thing, she says. A snowflake amongst the pile of snow in the realms of your mind, but as you lay in bed later on that late afternoon, staring at the gold stars Connor helped hang up in your room, your mind wanders places it never conceptualised. Inserts Connor in places in your life where he hadn’t been previously - opposite you illuminated by a candle-lit dinner, dancing in a kitchen as you prepare breakfast and kiss each other in between, above your bare body as he holds you in the palm of his hand like you are the most precious thing the universe has gifted him. It’s a point in time that despite busying yourself with dipping your toes back into your hobbies - heck, even walking your next door neighbour’s golden retriever to clear your head - it never quite leaves you, awakening something deep and dormant in you that never goes away.

Snapping out of your syrupy daze, you adorn yourself in your finest line dance clothing, slipping on your gingerbread cowboy boots before you’re tying bows in the pigtails of your hair. Your mother yells down the stairs for you and you leave in a flash, kissing her goodbye as she drops you off at Punch and Judy’s, your jewellery clinking together as you walk through the main entrance.

Much like your first night back, the bar is illuminated in dim light and sharp LED lights of varying colours. Cowboy hats dominate the sea of customers, the building crowd of the bar dressed in shades of denim and tired leather cowboy boots. Knowing the others have already arrived, saving a spot at a nearby booth, you decide to make your way to the bar first, ordering your signature berries-flavoured cider, to which Punch (co-owner) makes quick work of, the cold beverage in your hands before you can blink.

“Beer not to your liking, sugar?” A smoky, mellow voice grabs your attention.

You spare a glance at the source of the gravel voice, eyes long lingering as they capture the image of a face that stirs a flip in the pits of your stomach. The man stood beside you braces his muscular arms against the hickory brown of the wooden bar, his sleepy chocolate eyes trained on yours as he takes a swig of his tequila flavoured Desperado beer. Locks of umber messily cascade along his face, unless tucked away in his vintage black cowboy hat that ties together the rugged cowboy look he presents with the sweet addition of his light stubble. To make things worse, he’s stupidly fit, his black t-shirt clinging to the curves of his muscles like second skin. If it were up to you, you’d-

“Like what you see?”

The smug comment snaps you out of your hazy olge, a pout forming upon your lips with an accompanying knit in your eyebrows. You make a point to angrily grab at your pint glass, ingesting a big gulp of the sugary alcohol whilst the rugged cowboy laughs to himself.

Even his laugh is attractive. Sick bastard.

“Coming from a man drinking a Desperado? Funny,” you have to laugh at whatever lame attempt of making conversation this man is pulling, Punch masking his misplaced laughter behind a cough as he polishes a pint glass. “How flirtatious you are.”

You admit, your latter remark is more bark than bite, a quick chirp that refuses to feed his ego yet grab his interest all at the same time. The ruse proves to work in your favour as the sexy cowboy gives another one of his huffed laughs, his body turned towards yours.

“Give me a chance, sugar. Just tryna start the night off right,” he counters, so brazenly confident in himself that you don’t know whether to laugh or shy away from his prying eyes. “Tequila beer and beautiful company - sounds about perfect to me.”

You react in a juxtaposition, eyes rolling and cheeks flushing as you divert your line of sight away from the handsome man flirting with you at your hometown bar. Perhaps, he’s some city folk travelling through the town, fancying himself a good time at Punch & Judy’s weekly hoedown Fridays, a little bit of flirting on the side to inflate his ego and keep his blood pumping. Whatever reason explains his presence, you are not one to complain. Your love life isn't very entertaining to put it mildly, so you're willing yourself not to get swept up in his caramel eyes.

Against the wishes of your quickening heart, you decide to give Mr. Handsome Traveller the time of day, body shifting as you face each other finally. “You don’t quit, don’t you?”

He cocks an eyebrow your way, something sneaky and sugary in the lines of his smile. A brief pause follows his actions, the soft rustic sounds of old town country murmuring from the jukebox nearby filling up in the space between your figures. It’s when he’s about to make yet another cocky comment that your conversation is put on pause.

Connor’s voice calls your name, head turning to find your best friend standing in between you and the Punch & Judy’s cowboy of the night, eyes wide and expectant as they shift back and forth in the middle of your standing figures.

“Dew, forget about Desperados tonight. The lady in bows will have your head otherwise.” Handsome Traveller nods his chin towards you, humour dancing in his smile as he snickers into his half-full glass.

Then, it dawns on you. Dew? One of the handful of nicknames Connor’s adopted over the course of his livelihood. So, they’re acquaintances? Or closer? Your eyes frantically search for social clues to point you in the right direction.

“The lady in bows is my best friend,” Connor explains, a bite to his words as his eyes glare a knowing look at Sexy Cowboy. He then goes on to face you, gaze softening almost immediately as his head tilts in his friends (?) direction. “This is Brandon, or Dewey One.”

Oh. Makes sense, you rationalise. This is Brandon, Connor’s close friend and teammate on his current team out in Minnesota, the one who gets into fights he can’t win on the ice whilst Connor trails nearby picking up his fallen gear. The one he told you a couple of days ago that was coming up to visit. And, of course you were flirting with him.

Of. Course.

“Dewey One?” you ask, minorly deflecting from your embarrassment and still genuinely curious.

Connor inhales, as if to speak but Brandon beats him to it.

“Brandon’s just fine,” he interjects, expression unassuming as Connor’s eyes put his visiting friend underneath a microscope. “Nice to meet you, darling.”

Normally, you’d wrinkle your nose at the sometimes sleazy pet name Brandon casually calls you, except this time round you find it more amusing than cringe-worthy, which is how you find yourself grinning as you two exchange a handshake that testifies to how strong Brandon is. You clear your throat to stop the circus unfolding within you.

“Come on,” Connor gestures over to you to follow suit. “Can’t keep ‘em waiting.”

You call out an agreement over your shoulder as you go to grab your drink, the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention as a close whisper brushes past your ears.

“I ain’t no quitter, sugar.”

-

The next couple of hours are spent packed into a crimson leather booth that peels at the ends, going from topic to topic over many a pints. Brandon fits so easily into your group, his infectious energy illuminating as he takes up space without regard, his confidence more enticing than suffocating. Everyone seems to be in good spirits as the alcohol keeps flowing and as you sit back, careful eyes watching your friends engage in conversation, you wish for this to be your forever for as long as you'd like for it to be.

A nudge against your shoulder turns your head, greeted by Connor’s sage eyes. “You ready for Judy’s Line Dance?”

His rhetorical question draws a laugh from you. “You say that like I don’t do this every time I come back.”

“Yeah, but if you were ready then, you would’ve brought your cowboy hat,” comments Connor, his veiny hands grasping gently at the ends of your braided pigtails accented with a bow. “What? Wanted to show off your pretty bows?”

He thumbs the ends of your hair, engrossed in the strands and its feel and for some reason, the casual intimacy of the moment inflates something in your chest, a balloon about to burst as you forcibly breathe in and out, clearing your throat afterwards. “They're my favourite accessories.”

Connor huffs, corners of his lips lifting gingerly as he continues his motions with his hands whilst your body remains rigid with the exception of your racing heart and crimsoning cheeks.

Your mother has definitely planted a seed you cannot unroot.

“Yeah, you’re almost always wearing them in your BeReal. posts. They’re real cute.”

For a fact you know so well, Connor’s confession comes as a pleasant surprise, one that shallows your breaths and quickens your pulse. It makes you reflect back on before, when all was platonic and the comment wouldn’t have made you bat an eyelash. Now, your skin tingles and you’re struggling to find the words to encapsulate your affection past your dry mouth. So, like many others in your position, you settle for a safe reply.

“Aren’t you a charmer?” you roll your eyes, brushing off his grasp because you might combat otherwise, projecting your attention ahead of you to come face-to-face with Brandon, who despite the engaging conversation he shares with Owen, his eyes skirt over to you.

You look away, even more flustered than before.

It’s just your luck when you hear Judy’s tap incessantly against an old microphone that you have something else to hold your focus, eyes brimming with glee as she announces the dances for the night and their updated partner songs. Last time you were here, they were still playing their beloved country hits and you danced along thanks to the amounts of alcohol you consumed, but their new playlist of pop hits within the past decade or so, you’re more motivated than ever to tear apart the dance floor.

“If you ain’t shy to do a little two step, please make your way to the dancefloor please.” Judy grins into her mic, tipping her cowboy hat as patrons make their way over to the illuminated space.

Connor makes way for you to exit the booth, your boots hitting the ground as you iron out any kinks in your outfit. Amidst your actions, you catch other movements out of the corner of your eyes, to which you find Connor playing with the ends of your bow this time round. There’s always been something so sweet and tender about him - in the way clouds are amongst a blue sky, in the way laughter spills over so easily in the presence of a found family and in how harmonies make you feel as if you're floating. But, it’s never been like this before, this intense and vivd. In a way that rids you of all thought and scares you beyond your deepest fears all at once. You’re still finding your footing in this new territory, a plain that speaks to the existence of your feelings but has no road nor destination. It’s a simple plain you seek to find some end to, picking up clues along the way that predetermine what the future holds. At the beginning, the animosity scared you pale and grey. Now, the end is what grasps your fear in a fierce chokehold. To pry yourself from the jaws of unhinged anxiety, you allow yourself to relax, to seep into the present and take it for what it's worth because the end is unknown and you’re not there yet. Not by any measure of time, you hope.

“Kick butt out there, rockstar.” His big smile deepens the soft lines of his face, a pure display of pride in his features as he gives you a pat on the back and gives way for you to shine.

It’s small, insignificant in the grand scale of things, but your smile deepens too and you nearly float to the dancefloor, adrenaline rushing through your body as the DJ prepares the upcoming music.

As you settle in line, you feel a light pressure lay upon the crown of your head, eyes darting to find Charlotte in the line next to you, giving you a wink before she faces forwards, thumbs slotted through the loops of her flare jeans. Her straw cowboy hat no longer, you reach up to find said object upon your head and with a chuckle behind your hand, your thumbs hang on your belt loops and let the music guide you.

It’s only when you’ve done your first turn that you realise that Brandon has also decided to join the line dance, huffs of amusement sounding from you as he glides and slides with a confidence dusted with his normal dash of comedy.

When Judy announces it's time for the partner dance, it’s your cue to catch your breath as you plan to evacuate the dancefloor. As mentioned earlier by Charlotte, the pretty sandy brown haired man who’d bought her a drink earlier in the night circles his arms around her waist as she gives him a smitten grin. You beam at the endearing sight, about to make your way towards your booth but are stopped in your tracks as a calloused hand clasps around your wrist.

Brandon’s expression is more sheepish than you’ve ever seen, his eyes distracted as they wander away from you. You raise an eyebrow.

“Who says the night has to end here, sugar?” His voice trembles partially, its edge lost in the coyness lining his smile as he finally looks at you with a dazzle of hope in his eyes.

A momentary pause delays your response, the moment used to turn the cogs in your head and sneak a glance back at your booth, where Connor was last you saw him, eyes trained on you as he simply watches the interaction. Under the weight of his gaze, a creeping sense of embarrassment climbs up your back, scolding the skin. You’re about to give your reply when the music starts up and Brandon speaks again.

“Put this desperado out of his misery and allow me this one dance?”

It’s so cheesy, maybe even idiotic - the words he proposes to you but he’s trying and that’s what appeals to you most, warms your heart and sways your response as you send him a nod that has Brandon cheesing ear to ear, his hand leading the way as you two fall in line.

You haven’t had much experience line dancing with a partner, the closest experience to this being a night you barely remember, happily back sliding with a fifty year old local in your college town bar who wanted to feel young again. Regardless of the fact, there’s no time to mull it over as the music already starts and your fingers are interlocking, matching up with the rest of the duos as you dance, cowboy boots stomping as you make a scene.

In all the commotion of heavy stops and ongoing thumps of Rihanna’s ‘S&M’, Brandon manages to catch your attention, mirroring your movements to a tee.

“You and Connor don’t do this much, do you?” he queries.

“You kidding me? Connie has two left feet, I’d be left for dead if it wasn’t for Charlotte.” You yell over the blaring upbeat country music, arms extended as Brandon glides you further away from his figure.

“Good thing I’m here tonight.” jesters Brandon, and you laugh along because you’re tipsy and having a lot more fun than you imagined.

Despite your familiarity with the dance routine you two execute to a tee, you’re caught off guard when Brandon brings you inwards, bracing you against his hard chest before his arm circles around the circumference of your lower back, holding you steady as he dips your body slightly. Your foot is kicked out, your (Charlotte’s) straw hat’s fallen to the scuffed dancefloor and you’ve just had the wind knocked straight out of you, eyes feverishly searching for answers as the bar falls to a hush.

You’re looking in each other’s eyes now, chest heaving and high off the adrenaline pumping through your veins from all that dancing. All time ceases to exist and it’s just two of you, sharing laboured breaths and looking for any cues for how this will end. It appears as if you���re in your own head at this point, combing through a thousand possibilities all at once to respond however you see fit. Thankfully for you, Brandon breaks the silence.

“One night and one night only.”

The sentence sends shivers down your spine and you’re pretty sure Brandon feels you quiver in his arms as he gives a brief chuckle, hauling you up onto your two feet and bringing you back to reality. You don’t really find their footing after that.

The rest of your time at Punch & Judy’s passes by in a flash, more pints being consumed over your group’s loud chatter as the night stretches on. Charlotte and her blue eyed companion indulge in another dance before he’s whisking her back to the bar and paying for everyone’s next set of drinks - bless his heart. He introduces himself as Jack, a new face in town and as he and the boys exchange pleasantries, the wild eyed non-verbal dialogue you engage in pieces together Charlotte’s sentiment and if it isn’t enough, when Jack makes his departure, she gives him a kiss on the cheek and bides him a coy farewell, a promise to meet in the next coming days on her tongue. One thing is certain, when Jack makes his exit from the bar, the door shutting behind him, you’re yelling and shaking each other’s shoulders in glee, stupidly happy and sharing that with one another.

Your table has their last drinks and before you know it, you’re being squeezed into the back of Owen’s pickup truck, sandwiched between Charlotte and Connor whilst Owen and Brandon sit up front. Over the murmured sounds of slow alternative music, you get bits and pieces of their conversation, the two excitedly talking about their shared love for Legos and the most they’ve splurged on one set. You shake your head with a laugh, going to share your merriment with Charlotte, only to find her soundly asleep, a light snore bypassing her punch pink lips.

“How you holdin’ up, champ?” Connor’s low voice draws you in, a slight head turn in his direction. “Don’t think I’ve seen you dance like that since we were ten and begging our parents to have a sleepover.”

The image is so vivid in your brain, two wide eyed kids that held hands as they begged and pleaded to have a sleepover, only for their polite request to be refused. Taking matters into your own hands, you dragged your parents’ big hands into the living room, where in front of them and an oblivious Connor, turned on MTV and danced to some popular song of the time. Lucky for you, it worked. Unluckily, Connor would hold that over your head forever onwards.

You’re cringing into your hand, face mangled in discomfort as you wish away the reality of you doing that away. “One of us had to convince them. Plus, it worked, didn’t it?”

“I can’t argue with that,” Connor laughs behind a fist before his hand falls to his side, a moment of quiet between you two. “You and Brandon seem to be hitting it off.”

A single eyebrow raises to express your confusion, perplexed frown prominent not because of his statement which is completely true, but because there’s an edge to his voice - something unfamiliar and cold in the way he says his words - a tone you’ve yet to hear, even after all these years. Uncertain how to proceed, you choose to be cautious about the matter, selecting your words carefully.

“He’s nice,” you state, because Brandon is but something in you twists uncomfortably, feels the recognizable pangs of embarrassment as you’re subjected to uttering this out loud. Or rather, in front of Connor. A betrayal of some sorts. “You were right about him fitting right in with us.”

There’s a strange shift in the air in the backseat of the car, the once peaceful quiet now becoming increasingly heavy and awkward as your words hang in the air like knives. Connor absorbs your words, stare averted as he watches his fingers fiddle with the lock of the door on the windowsill. You run your palms against the material of your denim shorts because you don’t know what to do with them otherwise.

It’s only when you’ve scratched the back of your neck, eyes stiffly roaming the interior of the car that Connor replies. “Yeah..I guess I just didn’t know how well.”

You’re about to ask him what he means by that, going to press him but Owen’s suddenly shut off the truck, his blinding interior lights turning on and him killing the ignition, alerting you of your arrival. Connor climbs out before your vision reverts back to normal, so you put the matter on pause and softly wake up Charlotte who sheepishly wipes away dried drool at the corner of her lips and climbs out the pick-up with you. You’re about to shut the door behind you, though someone beats you to it.

“I got it.” Brandon’s husky voice sounds from behind you, the slam of the door following.

You send an appreciative smile his way, perhaps a bit of timidity mixed in there too, turning to include Charlotte in any possible conversation to come, only to find her halfway up the porch stairs of Connor’s house.

How is it always the two of you left alone?

“Let’s head in, it’s chilly out here.” suggests Brandon, you falling in line with his request as the beginnings of goosebump dot your arms, the roughness of your skin hitting an all time high as Brandon’s large hand falls to the small of your back, guiding you up the stairs into the cosy and quaint house.

Hums of conversation lead from the back porch of Connor’s house, the presence of your friends known as you wordlessly navigate your way through the halls of Connor’s house, hallways and framed pictures you’ve committed to memory. When you’ve made your way to the kitchen, you find Owen nursing a cool bottled water, hair tousled and cheeks dusted in pink.

“There you two are,” announces Owen, fingers threading through the waves of his brown hair. “Everyone’s out back - apparently, Quinn’s out back too.”

You waste no time beelining for the backyard, the sudden weight of your reality dawning on you the second you stepped through Connor’s doorway, a cold shower of water easing you out of the mirage you’ve impulsively floated in. Once you’re outside, the cool air sinking into your skin, you spying the usual suspects - Quinn, Charlotte and Connor gathered together around a fire Quinn boasts about making. His glee is short lived.

“That boy scouts training finally coming in handy, huh?” Charlotte banters, a suppressed smirk sneaking amongst her features as she takes a seat in one of the camping chairs surrounding the fire.

“You laugh now but when you need someone to tie an impossible knot and survive off the land, don’t come running to me.” responds Quinn, taking a swig of his beer as Charlotte holds her hands up in surrender, laughing regardless.

You’re about to turn on your heels to head back inside, retrieving a beverage of your own, but a familiar call of your name is stopping you in your tracks.

“I’ve got your cider here,” alerts Connor, expression indifferent as he approaches you to hand off a can of your favourite berry cider and a bottle of water. “Blankets are on the chairs too.”

It’s embarrassing how much you want to melt into this man’s arms right now. Nonetheless, for reasons you know all too well, you express your gratitude in a toothy grin that he mirrors with a closed mouth, pulling you down into the camping chair beside his.

Soon enough, Brandon and Owen are sitting round the fire too and your night ends like this, light-hearted discussions under the stars as the heat from the open flame soothes your heavy eyelids closed. Whilst you’re mildly awake, you don’t miss the glances you and Bradon trade over the sandstone fire, loaded questions in his eyes. Had this been any other occasion, any other person not linked to Connor, any other reality where your current feelings didn’t exist for Connor, then there would be no questions asked, blossoms of wine doting both your necks come tomorrow morning. Alias, these were not the conditions and simply lounged in your camping chair, hoping Brandon didn’t look your way every time Connor’s hand would play with the bows in your hair.

-

Arm hanging out of his shiny porcelain white pick-up truck, Brandon squints as the rays from the blistering sun reflect into his eyes. Having said their goodbyes earlier, Connor and Brandon dab each other up with good-natured smiles before Brandon throws his focus over to you, standing with a bit more awkwardness than you’d like.

“Take care, Lady in bows,” Brandon says, a well-mannered nod sent your way with a closed mouth smile. “Don’t give Dewey a hard time. He’ll come round.”

For a split second, you’re eyeing him as if his face contains all the answers, but when he gives you that knowing look, the same one Charlotte and your mother give you any time Connor’s name is mentioned - you know. Know all too well and blush as a result, head snapping behind you to see if Connor’s within earshot. Thankfully, he’s in the middle of chatting with his brother, hands in his pocket as Quinn points off into the distance. You circle back to Brandon, the apples of his cheeks clear as day as he snickers like he’s been told a secret.

It’s as if this best kept secret brings you infinitely closer, your walls falling as you begin to bare the depth of your sentiment surrounding Connor. There’s no more beating around the bush, so you lower your head as you kick at the rocks at your feet. “You think so?”

You hate how small your voice comes out, meek and questioning everything known to man. It’s unfamiliar and not to mention, uncomfortable in every aspect of the word. Alias, Brandon sees you - catches the vulnerability you’ve shared with him and embraces you with a kindness that ushers a relieved sigh from you as he responds back.

“I’d bet my NASA Space Shuttle lego set on it.” Brandon banters, smirk soft and small.

So, he’s serious. Very serious, it seems because you know how treasured the item is to him. You exhale a breath you hadn’t known you were holding.

“Thanks, Brandon,” you breath, coyness coating your cheeks as your hands fall behind your back, your fingers tangling. “Don’t go fighting no alligators.”

“We can only hope,” Brandon gives his side-door a smack, rounding up everyone’s attention. “I’m hitting the road, fellas. Enjoy the fair for me, yeah?”

A chorus of agreements go off from behind you before Brandon gives one more salute, speeding off into the canary yellow sun. The small crowd outside Connor’s house disperses and regroups again later on that day, refreshed and ready to attend the local fair held every summer and the highlight of the year.

The fair lives up to its expectations, grand and joyful with a variety of rides ranging from teacups to a catapult-like ride that swings back and forth and then upside down. You’re distracted by all the colours, the sights and sounds that you’re so oblivious to what goes on right before you, until your vision is shrouded in black and your face is submerged in fluff.

Retracting, you blink your eyes to adjust to the change in lighting, lips parting as you stare at the massive latte-coloured teddy bear that Connor presents to you, the rest of your friends nearby taking their turns at the darts board way ahead of them.

He must see you struggle to find the words, his grin infectious as he jests, “I think I’ve finally out-conned the concessionaires.”

You must look like an idiot, or a deer in the headlights as Charlotte jokes, disbelief strikingly apparent on your face as you reach for the souvenirs, the fluffy animal so cosy in your arms and melting your heart into a big puddle of goo. “Thank you, Con.”

“Don’t mention it.” a smile plays tenderly on his lips, the sheer kindness he captures in his sage eyes enough to make your pulse race and head spin.

After the thoughtful gesture, your high spirits cannot be tamed as you indulge in every little thing your heart desires - laughing a little harder, smiling a little wider and stuffing your cheeks full of hearty food that makes your eyes roll to the back of your head. Charlotte basks in your glee, speaking of a glow you radiate as she snaps photos of your stuffed cheeks, a knowing smirk on her lips as she hands you your teddy bear once your food is finished. You don’t reply, exchanging words through your glances as you make your way towards the second bit of rides the boys want to try.

“Wait, isn’t that…?”

As Quinn’s voice trails off into the distance, you find yourself turning in the exact direction where he directs your view, eyes landing on a pair of figures - one being Connor and the other being, Amelia, Connor’s ex-girlfriend from high school and most notably, his last girlfriend. Her waves of blond hair glisten in the sunshine, something like a Renaissance painting. Her smile bright and wide as she greets Connor with an enthusiastic hug, a hug you feel lasts longer than necessary.

They then go on to immerse themselves in conversation, and for the life of you, you can’t look away - pry your jealous eyes away nor dry swallow this bitter pill because she’s still so into him. Hands familiar and all over him, leaning in when she gets the chance and beaming like she’s won the lottery. In all fairness, her life’s been such a tale - excelling academically, incredibly driven in all sports and other extracurricular activities that garnered her attention. And such a kind spirit too, always there to help no questions asked that it made you physically sick that you could foster any ill feelings towards her, because she’s such a light and maybe Connor would see that too. As he did when they were together.

You’re too busy losing yourself in a sea of self pity that you don’t notice Charlotte's attempts to snag your attention nor other things at first, your illegitimate fears getting the best of you but as your posture stoops, your eyes floating everywhere around the busy fair that it pauses on Connor’s figure. Once immersed in conversation, he appears distracted, indifferent somehow as his attention wanders, wanders over to you as his line of sight floats over to you from time to time as the conversation stretches on. At first, you think it’s your mind playing tricks on you, feeding into delusions that’ll soothe your pity party, but at some point, he holds your gaze, giving Amelia a pat on the back before he’s jogging over to where your friendship group is, not even uttering a word as he slots himself between you and Owen.

“What was that about?” Quinn just has to ask.

“Oh, Amelia just wanted to catch up,” he sounds distracted, his mind elsewhere but you don’t dare to indulge, your sight directed elsewhere as you grip onto the plush teddy bear as if it were a lifeline. “She says hi, by the way.”

You don’t do much listening after that, tuning out all the colours and sounds of the fair as you ride the highs and lows of what your life has become.

-

A sense of urgency plagues you from that day forth, a hurriedness in your actions as your anxieties get the better of you, going from lounging around in day old pyjamas covered in crumbs and mystery stains to getting a head start on your master’s personal statement and running every errand you’ve been procrastinating. Your parents swear you’ve become a different person - venturing outside the house before noon to visit the bank to change your address or go get your car serviced. Perhaps seeing Connor with Amelia was the jump start you needed to stop relishing in instant gratification, distracting yourself from facing any sort of music that pertained to the future and all its question marks. You still hang out with the others, more so Charlotte as you spend a few afternoons at the lake with one another, feet dangling into the water as she updates you on her adventures with Jack.

It’s the first time someone’s pursued her with such sincerity and charm that she’s hesitant about his authenticity. And yet from the sounds of it, Jack doesn’t mind one bit and shows his patience as they get to know each other, the smitten man taking your best friend on dates that further solidify their connection. You couldn’t be any happier for your best friend, this kind of treatment a long time coming, all of which you express just to see her blush and dive into the cold lake water to avoid further talks. You chase after her, teasing her mercilessly as the thoughts still linger at the back of your mind - your own sentiment with regards to Connor and what has come from the change of heart.

Emotional anguish and so much fear you’re not sure what to do with yourself. It takes a week of mulling things over, his missing presence due to off-season hockey training for you to make up your mind, peeling into his driveway and hiding your apprehension behind a strained smile as he greets you at the door. You preoccupy every bit of silence with running chatter, because you don’t want to hear yourself think, a multitude of topics discussed over vodka pasta you make together before you’re finding your way into his bedroom, the early evening sky greeting you as he flicks on his buttermilk bedside lamp.

He brings out his guitar, the same one you gifted Connor two years ago at the height of his newly-found hobby and plucks the strings, creating a melody you compel yourself to relax into, somehow ending up sandwiched in between him and the guitar as he directs your fingers to play one of your favourite songs, just because.

Apparently, your shaky hands don’t make for good playing material.

“You’re shaking like a leaf, you cold or something?” notes Connor, his looming presence over your body sending you into overdrive, your skin feverish and mind imploding from overwork.

“This is different.” you annouce, because it is. Unlike times before, it didn’t mean as much to be alone in his bedroom with him, getting glimpses into the life he’s lived and who he is as a person through all his possessions. You could handle the casual intimacy - the soft spoken whispers, the unprovoked kindness, the skin to skin contact that didn’t send your heart into a series of flutters. Now, all you can do is bat an eyelash, many at that, and this you must make known. For the selfish reasons you can think of.

“What d’ya mean?” he mumbles, clearly distracted and known the wiser to his breath fanning over your neck, goosebumps rising against your skin as your body grows rigid against his.

So acutely aware of your proximity, of the bursting feelings that thud at the confinement of your chest, your thoughts scatter like glass. “This, Connor. Being like this…with you.”

That strikes a chord with Connor, his motions ceasing altogether as his hands drop from the guitar and you’re forced to face the music. Sink your teeth into this undeniable truth that’s followed you all these years and you’ve been too blind to see. Confront the holy truth that maybe there was more divine work intertwined in your story with Connor, that maybe the universe wrote you two as one heart as opposed to two. That, as the summer days ticked by, the sun seeping into your skin, your love grew for Connor like molasse - slow and thick and palpable that once you were aware of its existence, that’s all that consumed you. Coated in his syrupy love, an endless desire.

You’re facing your best friend in spite of the hellish screams in your mind to play this off as some random mood swing, a joke even, because laughter follows you two everywhere, right? But, you know. Know better than anybody else that Connor knows you, like the back of his hand. Sees right through any charade you may jester him with, so any attempts to divert the conversation are as pointless as anything. Your confession starts and ends here.

A flicker of concern mixes in the dark of his eyes, hands clasped together with a crease in between his eyebrows. “I don’t follow.”

A full body sigh draws out of you, shoulders sagging and back curving, your hands casting aside the acoustic guitar with caution. You’re back to staring at each other, in the silence of the night, caged in between four walls that burn your eyes white as you once again grapple with your innumerable feelings and the finality of it all - this longing.

“Don’t you think,” you croak, question in your eyes as you look up at Connor, stifling any rise in emotion within you. “-this summer has been different?”

His sage eyes cast away, pink lips settling into a pout as he racks his brain for whatever answer you may be looking for. “No? Maybe? I don’t know.”

He adds on, looking back at you as he leans closer without fault. “Is this because it’s your last summer before you graduate?”

Connor’s got a point. When you’re trying to kid yourself into not having romantic feelings for your childhood best friend, your mind wanders to places where it has more control. Plans for after college, what modules you’ll be taking, what societies you want to join, what last things you’d like to cross off your list before you’re forced into full fledged adulthood. It’s a thought that lingers ever so presently at the back of your mind, like background music stuck on loop, but ultimately, Connor has missed his mark and you tell him so.

“Partially, but,” you wet your lips, struggling to find the words again as the burn against your cheeks proves to be insufferable. “This is what’s been on my mind more than anything else.”

Your point is accentuated by your single finger gesturing between the two of you, a poor attempt at best to foster some sort of confession of your romantic feelings. Because it's so scary, lending these thoughts your voice because they become much more real, spoken aloud for his ears to hear and his heart to see. For his heart to feel and what then? What awaits you once your confession reaches his ears? The unknown is scary, chilling to the bone and you wish to shroud yourself from it as long as there’s daylight.

There’s a beat before you hear Connor’s voice again. “What about us?”

Hearing him vocalise those three words makes the moment so real, so vividly intense that it sends chills down your spine and slows your laboured breath, the thump of your heart all you can hear aside from the ticking clock against Connor’s bedside table. It ticks and ticks, signifying the curtain call to your summer long charade.

“Connor, I..” It’s as if the magnitude of your feelings have manifested into some beast, with razor-like fangs and sharp claws that slash at the confinements of your chest, the words of love dying on the tip of your tongue as the moments hangs over your head like a gauntlet. You’ve never been so scared before, driven nearly to tears as your desperate hands grip at the material of your hoodie to ground yourself in some sort of way whilst you try to push yourself. To see this through until the very end and leave the destination unknown.

“We’ve been friends our entire lives. I don’t know anything beyond being with you and I never wanted to, and I feel like that means so much more than it did years ago,” his eyes are on you, undivided attention served on a silver platter that you turn away from, for its sincerity and shine. “Maybe, I did know deep down inside what I know now all those years ago. Like when I cried and begged for you not to leave the Pas. Or when you held my hand any chance you got when we were kids, or anytime you smiled at me really that let me know I always liked you. Maybe, even love you - I don’t know. But, what I do know is that I just couldn’t leave for Calgary without letting you know. Even if that means…”

You don’t have the heart to utter your next words, a dagger to the heart at even the possibility of losing your best friend and partner in crime. Perhaps, it isn’t worth saying - this whole grand love confession because this is a risk you’re not ready to face. However, despite your thundering heart against your bruised chest and however many times you’re second guessing yourself here, the weight lifted from your words is undeniable. An unspoken truth that had been set free, that needed to be set free - whatever the fallout may be.

A snicker snaps you out of your deep seated fears, your scattered daze settling on the view before you, one you had least expected. Connor, eyes cast away from yours as he huffs into his hands, a laugh you’re undecided where it derives from.

“…Are you laughing at me right now?” You feel awful for even asking such a ridiculous question. At the same time, you’ve just been as vulnerable as you’ve ever been in your entire life - some hesitancy is to be expected.

At your question, Connor’s huffs of delight cease and stares at you at alarm, realising his mistake. “God, no. Fuck, I’m so sorry, I just-”

“You used to rub dirt on me, and now you're proclaiming your love for me,” an airy laugh puffs out of his moving chest, a mixture of disbelief and amusement painted amongst his chiselled features. “It’s a bit of an adjustment.”

He seems…happy? Relieved? You’re not really sure, but what you at least find peace in is that there’s no sunken look about him, no expression worn that conveys disappointment and hurt because that’s all you’d have to see to know where his heart lies.

“Good or bad?” you ask.

His eyes bounce back to yours, those same olive eyes you’ve spent years looking into, glimmer with a sparkle that you’ve yet to see and robs you of rational thinking as your heartbeat picks up the pace.

“Good,” he whispers, like it’s a secret for just the two of you - one that is small and fragile, but so special and cherished that it makes your heart squeeze. “Because, there’s no one else I’d rather be with. Not by a long shot.”

You swear you could cry, burst like a dam and drown in your tears that overflow with such joy and relief because this is it for you. So right and settled, being where you’ve always meant to be - so loved and treasured by the one person who knows you better than yourself, someone who’s seen you at your most awkward and at your worst, and loves you because he has. Because he’s seen it all and wants to spend the remainder of his life doing so, a conscious choice he makes everyday because he loves you and you love him.

You’re unsure how you’ve ended up like this, limbs curled up in your lover’s lap as he cups your cheeks, rough thumb caressing the skin as his love shines through his gaze that blows his iris’ out of view. He looks so beautiful like this, unabashed and vulnerable, secure in love and what destiny holds for you. He looks at you as if you colour his skies and spin his world round and just like that, you lose yourself in him. Thread your fingers through his strands of umber brown and kiss him like you mean it. Kiss him long and hard, and with everything you have because it’s long overdue, so needed that you melt into him, lips overlapping as you taste destiny on his tongue.

The story of you and him, a tale as old as time.

[sweetheartsaku]

༄ MISSION: OUR SUMMER― looking out for you

𝜗𝜚 ―H.KAI 【휴닝카이】 VERSION || NIGHT EDITION.

HE SWORE HIS HEART BEATS TRIPLE WHEN HE SEES YOU. hyuka was seated on his thick blanket he had cleanly prepared, turning to his bedside table to check the time. 9:53am. his eyes trailed to the side, towards a photograph of you and kai as kids at a park, doing peace signs and smiling as bright as the sun.

he tenderly smiles at the sight of the pair, an inseparable duo since kindergarten. like two peas in a pod.

his chocolate eyes draw over back to his bed and his crisp sheets. he looks up, his attention lingering to the guitars on the wall. 2 acoustic, one electric.

the beige body of the first acoustic was decorated in colourful, dried stickers and the neck sprinkled in star stickers representing the simple notes. it had built up some wear and tear because it was his childhood guitar that was always a little too big for him. 6-year-old hyuka loved to perform little concerts for you and his siblings.

he had received his second acoustic on his 13th birthday, and immediately fell in love with it. the body had significantly less stickers than the last, a new edition of a scratched up with a silver tuner clipped to the top. 13-year-old hyuka thought he was the coolest boy in town. he had written so many songs about you unconsciously on it, holding this guitar close to his heart

the latest guitar was the cleanest, an electric guitar that you had bought him a couple years before. it was a sleek mint, your attempt to find a cute colour yet one he'd love. he treasured all his instruments, but especially this one... had sentimental value.

snapping from his dash of nostalgia, his nintendo switch chirps. he quickly glances at his keyboard and other trinkets in his room, before taking his switch out of the station with a click. it was daintily decorated, with a small lyric in the corner; "you got a smile that could light up the whole planet!" from tyler the creator's 'SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE'.

his switch trills as he turns it on, scrolling through his recently played games and landing on animal crossing new horizons. he logs on, noticing you're online and working on your island. he remembers the last time he had come over; you both had been villager hunting.

something in his head suddenly clicks, and he remembers he had left his childhood cd over at your home. he abruptly gets up, obliviously forgetting to change his clothes (it's not like it matters).

kai forgetting items at your house was a common occurrence and was an innocent excuse to spend time with you. his hoodie in the winter, scarf in fall, and hat in spring.

he hops on his bike, taking a short trip to your home. the warm summer wind bites his cheek and grazes his actively moving shins. he feels the occasional breeze press against his loose, white t-shirt and grey shorts.

hyuka finally arrives at your house, no hesitation in gently knocking on your door. your gaze meets his as you slowly open the door, surprised at his unannounced visit despite this being a quite typical and natural event. you instantly smile.

"HYUKA!!" you exclaim, pulling him into an embrace and gesturing him into your home. he quickly accepts your hug, slightly damp from the summer heat. he finds his natural spot on the right corner of your low-set bed, taking in the comforting and nostalgic fragrance of your room. posters everywhere, stringed with fairy lights, and photos of you and your friends in every corner.

there's a mini music player in the corner, playing songs off your shared playlist with kai. which is where he got the lyric on his nintendo station from, the words written on the cd that he was here to collect, and caption of your instagram biography.

you take a seat right next to him, still curious on what brings him here this time. "here to pick up the cd you left?"

"mhm!" he chimes.

you find yourself lost through time in the endless pillow talk, his words simply igniting one after another. in your own little world, that only you two shared. you both had an enchanting, entrancing mind that people struggle to even imagine.

the mini music player clears up the magical fog in both you and hyuka's ears, making one lyric clear.

"if i compared you, the sun is a stand in."

you were like his comfort zone. a comfortable presence,

a hand to hold.

TAGLIST: @hyukassubi @lun4kazumii

[fandomstars]

If Steven Universe had a twin brother son of….Yellow Diamond

James ‘Jim’ Kirk Diamond - Son of Yellow Diamond

Fandoms: SU + Star Trek AOS

Looks:

• Same as canon but with yellow diamond on his upper chest.

Personality:

Kind

Caring

Intelligent

Stubborn

Brave

Determined

Serious

Funny at times (mostly sass/sarcasm)

Powers:

Manipulates/Bends electricity

Bubble shield (Like Steven)

Speed of Descent Regulation (Like Steven)

Self healing (Like Steven)

Superhuman strength/speed/durability ( Like Steven)

Healing sweat (brothers of spit and sweat ha)

Skills:

Hand to hand combat

Self defense

Sword fighting

Guitar (both acoustic & electric) + piano

Singing

Gem Weapon: Sword (basically sort of a lightsaber, only it’s more light than saber. Looks like a steel sword with a yellow glowing edge to it.)

Family:

Sunny (Yellow Pearl)

Steven (Twin Brother) (Steven is oldest by five minutes)

Pearl

Garnet

Amethyst

Lapis

Peridot (Older sibling/cousin(?))

Greg (Uncle)

Lion

Halo (Pet) (Yellow Tiger)

Crush: Spock

Backstory:

Yellow Diamond left to Earth secretly, a couple years after the final attack with Blue and White on Earth.

Stayed in hiding there, realizing the beauty of Earth, and not wanting to go back to Homeworld because of said realization. Therefore, ordered her colonies to disband, and regroup on a pair of planets on the other side of the galaxy near Earth (a two day trip to and back).

Of course due to pride, it took much longer than she could have with her power to do it all.

Years later, she meets George Kirk, and the two bond over time. Eventually her wanting to give him a gift, a child.

Course it took even longer to come to that conclusion. She still didn’t like humans and organic life as a whole, but she could tolerate/see aspects Pink did to want to let them be.

Though children drooling/spitting up/boogers is her limit of toleration. One reason she decided to give George a child, was in hope by being part gem, their child would less likely do such things….or at least the latter two.

So she had a child, and ironically Steven was born just minutes prior.

Jim though, was still born in space as canon.

George was part of Starfleet, and had a mission which allowed him to invite Yellow for the first time.

He’d already meet her colony, now co-living on a pair of twin planets and his old farmhouse in Iowa.

He figured his captain was taking them on a journey passing by said planets, that the pair travel before settling down on one of said planets.

Said planets are on the other side of the Milky Way, about a 3 day trip to and back. Not seen in Homeworld’s view.

They plan for their kid to get both gem and human education, with other galactic education added when available.

George knew Yellow would not be able to be around when their kid was to be born, so the two prepared as much as possible till said day. Yellow made many videos and wrote a lot of letters to give to Jim throughout his lifetime, a video and letter given after every birthday.

Her colonies helped as well. While it took awhile for them all to get used to said reality, they all pitched in and in turn grew to love Jim when he did come into the world.

Sunny could tell it was his infectious smile that got the colony wrapped around his tiny hands.

Things go wrong though after the canon space birth. Just as the escape pod was about to reach Earth’s surface (Sunny planned a scout ship ahead hours ago after the attack to come pick them up to head to the colony planets), it began to malfunction.

Everyone on board survived, but Sunny poofed.

Jim got lost in the hustle after everyone was brought to land, and so the scout ship Rubies only had a poofed gem to be given.

Of course the Rubies alerted the colonies, and more and more scout ships were sent to Earth to search for their new Diamond.

It wasn’t till days later, security footage from the damaged ship showed a lone human female taking the bundled Diamond boy.

Jim was a sickly baby, and doctors suspected it was due to the crash, kidnapping, and trauma of being born in literal space that caused such to occur.

Years later, Jim isn’t sickly anymore, but he does have a ton of allergies like in canon.

Sunny reforms after a suspect of Jim’s kidnapping was found.

Winona….Sunny began to hate that name.

He was found six weeks later, and Sunny just stashed him in a blanket and head back to the colonies. Leave Pike to do the legal work.

It wasn’t till Jim was around four, that another kidnapping occur. It took a year to get him back this time. He was on Tarsus IV.

The colony was in chaos during his kidnapping period, and almost at times urged to lay war on Earth, but Sunny thankfully shot them down of the idea.

It didn’t help when Sunny came to bring bring Jim home, did she have second thoughts on said invasion.

Malnourished, skin and bones practically, not to mention dirt and grim everywhere.

The worst though was his cracked gem.

Almost completely cracked before he got healed back on one of the colonies planets.

He never spoke of what went down on the planet. But Sunny could tell from the ashen fields that once had crops, the stench of death and decay, and the haunted look in his eyes, a guess of what did.

She didn’t glance at Pike or the actual reports of what Jim told them (meek, shallow voice devoid of emotion yet raw pain). She knew he didn’t speak of everything.

Not even in the book he made of his experience. But enough that the public isn’t too goodie goodie with Starfleet (since apparently Winona was released from prison early for good behavior, but then decided to kidnap Jim again, but this time sent him as far away as she could to get the suspicion off her.)

So no way Starfleet was going to tell the entire truth of the occurrence if it meant a dent in their reputation.

Well too bad Jim was a genius hacker, and basically shared his story to the galaxy without tracing any of it back to him. Starfleet purses him, but he’s got an army of family to defend him and besides…some journalist could have overheard such an event and investigated more. Either way, Starfleet had to back off but has held a grudge on him since it did leave a bad taste of their organization to the rest of the galaxy.

Jim and Steven meet around the time he released his story, which timeline was a year after said event.

Despite Sunny’s worry, the two got along really well, and basically became brothers the moment they meet.

Jim helped Steven train his human and gem self, self defense to figuring out his gem powers.

Jim might have had a chuckle whenever Steven finally figured it out of his powers connecting to his emotions (Episode where he learns of his floating powers basically).

Because Jim was around, Steven wasn’t naive as in canon, but that didn’t stop him from acting nice to Lars and others.

Yeah, despite Lars sort of getting along with Steven (the Homeworld stuff didn’t happen to him, since Jim pushed him out of the ship while he and Steven gave themselves up), he never fully trusted him.

He’s best friends with Sadie though.

Once Steven’s corruption event happened, well, let’s just say Jim might of looked thrown back into his Tarsus IV mode.

The corruption didn’t last long.

Jim’s own corruption didn’t happen till years later.

Years later, Steven has become an author, and Jim decides to be a captain of a gem ship of explorers.

Instead of Starfleet, Jim decided to form his own exploration group.

At first, consisting of Steven (who writes on the side and is the assigned medic), Connie (on the side is the human ambassador of Homeworld who takes calls virtual and stuff), and the Off color gems.

They eventually get the distress signal from Vulcan (let’s say a Vulcan from another time found out of Jim’s gem life), and went to help.

They managed to stop Nero from destroying Vulcan, with both Steven and Jim using their bubble power to shield the planet from Nero’s red matter.

It instead hits Nero’s ship, and causes the ship to get sucked into a black hole.

Which causes the twins to split up, with Steven and the Off Colors using their bubble powers to hold the black hole from sucking up anything else, and Jim to Vulcan’s surface to help with any rescues.

Jim manages to save Amanda before she falls, which happens to lead him to appearing on the Enterprise.

It’s there, Spock and him lock eyes on the transporter.

Pike meanwhile (because of the gem’s help he was delayed from getting on Nero’s ship) wasn’t surprised yet was to see the kid after all these years. Jim falling in love with his first officer didn’t phase him, he just wondered how Sunny was going to take all this.

Sunny was livid. Basically shouted at Pike through the screen while Pearl joined in as well, which made Pike wish for a moment he stopped Jim from helping out on the mission.

Amythest, meanwhile is in the background laughing like crazy, with Peridot looking at her confused.

Lapis was just glad the two were okay.

Garnet just shrugged when Pike asked if she predicted the distress signal and alerted Jim of it.

Hence, the new generations of Starfleet are taught the history of gems, and just why Pike has to take aspirin after meeting with the boys (minus the Tarsus IV thing, Jim may of used his initials JT instead of his real name, but he didn’t want anyone to guess).

Spock, along with the Enterprise crew (+ Cupcake & Scotty) eventually resign from Starfleet, and join Jim’s exploration organization (which still needed a name, but Peridot was persistent she’d make the name so it might be awhile. So the Crystal Crew can work for now…).

Funding? Well it helped part of the crew had an ambassador and the son of another ambassador. Money was just fine for them.

The Sunflower colonies (YD colonies) became both the central home of the exploration organization, but also an education place, which future applicants of the organization with kids could apply them and have constant communication and more time to spend with said kids as it’s a key stopping point before and after every mission.

Jim and Spock eventually marry, ironically have a double wedding with Steven and Connie.

Of course Garnet knew Jim and Spock were t’hy’la, but she wasn’t going to not not have a human wedding for Jim too.

Jim and Spock eventually have a pair of twins (surrogate or idk something). With Vulcan ears and hair, but with bright blue eyes and mixed green/red blood. Alongside partial gem dna, but only enough to create bubbles/healing tears. They already get enhanced everything body wise from Vulcans, like strength.

Despite Spock and Sarek’s argument, Sunny and Amanda spoil them. Jim and Steven just watch from afar and laugh, Connie shaking her head as she lets their little boy go play with his twin cousins.

Trivia

Spock has compared Jim’s “bright yellow form” to the sun. Which makes Jim blush even brighter than the sun.

Jim may or may not have used his stretching gem powers to have saved the day a lot. And maybe for other activities with a certain Vulcan in private.

Khan does appear like in canon, only things change, like Pike doesn’t die (Steven to the rescue alongside Connie cause ambassador will of course be in the meeting), Jim can indeed hit hard at Khan without breaking a sweat, and Jim more poofs than dies in the radiation chamber. Not that it stops Spock from going feral on Khan.

Beyond…eh if you want more flood my inbox with ideas and scenarios!

[800silentpod]

Unveiling the Advanced Features of Silent Pods!

Discover Silent Pods with advanced features like soundproofing, adjustable lighting, and ergonomic design. Transform your workspace into a productive, private sanctuary. Call +971-56-392-5955.

[fermannacoustics]

Discover the Future of Quiet Workspaces with Fermann’s Innovative Acoustic Solutions

Fermann Acoustics is a leading provider of innovative acoustic solutions designed to transform workspaces into productive and conducive environments for collaboration, focus, and creativity. As a premium acoustic pods for offices suppliers, we cater to the evolving needs of modern offices, offering versatile solutions that enhance privacy, reduce noise distractions, and elevate the overall acoustic experience for employees.

Experience the flexibility and functionality with portable soundproof booth suppliers to deliver exceptional sound insulation and privacy in any office setting. Our portable soundproof booths are designed for easy installation, relocation, and customization, making them ideal for creating quiet zones, meeting spaces, or temporary workstations within busy office environments.

Reducing Noise Distractions, Elevating Employee Experience

Transform your meeting rooms into collaborative hubs with meeting room pods suppliers. Our meeting room pods combine sleek design with superior acoustics, providing a secluded and comfortable space for productive discussions, brainstorming sessions, and video conferences without disrupting the surrounding work areas.

Discover the convenience and efficiency of telephone booths, crafted by telephone booth suppliers to offer a private and noise-free communication space within open office layouts. Our telephone booths feature soundproof construction, ergonomic design, and integrated technology solutions, allowing employees to make calls, attend virtual meetings, or engage in focused work tasks without disturbances.

At Fermann Acoustics, customer satisfaction is paramount, and we strive to exceed expectations by delivering high-quality products, personalized service, and efficient solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of each client. Our team is dedicated to providing expert advice, prompt assistance, and seamless installation to ensure a positive experience for every customer.

[800phonepod]

Exploring The Psychology of Sound and its Effects on Productivity !

Introduction:

Step into a world where sound is not just noise but a powerful force that shapes our productivity and well-being. Have you ever considered how the sounds around you influence your ability to focus and perform tasks efficiently? In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the fascinating psychology of sound and its profound effects on workplace productivity. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind sound and learn how our silent pods can create an optimal auditory environment for enhanced performance. As Dubai’s Top Silent Pods and Meeting Booths Suppliers, we understand the importance of creating a conducive workspace that fosters concentration and productivity. With our state-of-the-art soundproof pods, we offer a solution designed to minimize distractions and maximize efficiency, allowing you to achieve your full potential in the workplace.

The Power of Sound:

Sound is more than just vibrations in the air; it’s a dynamic force that influences our mood, concentration, and overall productivity. Research indicates that ambient noise levels in the workplace can significantly affect cognitive function. Excessive noise can hinder concentration and reduce productivity. Conversely, the right balance of background noise can stimulate creativity. It improves focus, leading to higher efficiency and performance..

Creating an Optimal Sound Environment:

In the modern workplace, the challenge lies in creating an environment where employees can thrive amidst the cacophony of everyday life. That’s where our silent pods come in. Designed with cutting-edge soundproofing technology, our pods provide a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the office. By blocking out disruptive noise and distractions, our pods create an optimal sound environment conducive to deep focus and productivity.

Harnessing the Power of Nature Sounds:

Nature has long been recognized for its calming and rejuvenating effects on the mind and body. Incorporating nature-inspired sounds into the workplace can reduce stress levels. Gentle rainfall or birdsong can promote a sense of well-being among employees. Our silent pods feature customizable soundscapes. Users can immerse themselves in soothing nature sounds, boosting productivity and enhancing mood.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the psychology of sound is a fascinating field. It offers valuable insights into optimizing the workplace environment for enhanced productivity and well-being. By understanding the impact of sound on our cognitive processes, we can create spaces that foster focus, creativity, and collaboration. With our silent pods, we offer a solution that blocks out unwanted noise. It also provides a conducive environment for peak performance. Elevate your workplace with 800Phonepod’s silent pods and experience the transformative power of sound. As the Leading Customized Silent Pods Suppliers and Manufacturers in Dubai, we are committed to revolutionizing your workspace for maximum efficiency and employee satisfaction. Contact us today at +971 56 392 5955 to learn more and take the first step towards a more productive and harmonious workspace.

OFFICE Address –

RATW, DY 21, Al Jadaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Toll Free No: 800-737-4652

Mobile: 055 380 5148 / +971 56 392 5955

Email: inquiry@800phonepod.com

Website - https://800phonepod.com/

Our Social Media Presence –

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/800PHONEPOD 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/800_phonepod/

LinkedIn - https://ae.linkedin.com/company/800phonepod

[pergola-company-in-dubai]

Are There Options for Incorporating Biophilic Design Elements into Silent Pod Environments?

Experience tranquility in urban spaces with biophilic design silent pods from 800Phonepod. Explore nature-inspired design for enhanced well-being. Contact us Today!

[silentpodsandmeetingbooths]

The Science of Silence: Exploring the Technology Behind Silent Pod Design

Introduction:

In the cacophony of modern workplaces, finding solace and focus amidst the noise is paramount. Enter silent pods – sanctuaries of serenity designed to shield occupants from distractions and promote productivity. But what lies beneath their sleek exteriors? Join us as we delve into the intricate science behind silent pod design and uncover the innovative technologies that make them a haven of tranquility. Experience the pinnacle of acoustic innovation with 800Phonepod, the leading and professional Silent pods and Booth Suppliers & Installation services provider in Dubai, UAE.

Understanding Soundproofing Technology:

Silent pods are engineered with precision to combat the relentless onslaught of noise pollution. At their core, these pods harness sophisticated soundproofing technology to create an oasis of quietude amidst the chaos of the workplace.

Advanced Acoustic Materials:

Central to the effectiveness of silent pod design are advanced acoustic materials meticulously selected for their sound-absorbing properties. From polyester cotton material to specialized acoustic fabric treated for flame retardancy, each component plays a crucial role in attenuating sound waves and quelling ambient noise.

Sound Isolation Techniques:

Beyond materials, silent pods employ ingenious sound isolation techniques to thwart the intrusion of external noise. From double-glazed windows designed to minimize sound transmission to innovative door seals engineered to create an airtight barrier, every aspect of pod construction is optimized to uphold the sanctity of silence within.

Absorption and Diffusion:

Silent pods leverage a combination of sound absorption and diffusion strategies to achieve optimal acoustics. Strategically placed acoustic panels and baffles absorb unwanted noise, while diffusers scatter sound waves to prevent reverberation and echo, resulting in a serene and harmonious interior environment.

Innovative Design Features:

In addition to their formidable soundproofing prowess, silent pods boast an array of innovative design features that enhance functionality and user experience.

Adaptive Ventilation Systems:

Silent pods feature adaptive ventilation systems for optimal air quality. These regulate airflow while minimizing noise transmission. These systems employ state-of-the-art technology to strike the perfect balance between comfort and tranquility.

Smart Integration:

Integrating seamlessly into the digital ecosystem of modern workplaces, silent pods feature smart integration capabilities that facilitate connectivity and convenience. From integrated lighting controls to compatibility with IoT devices, these pods empower users to customize their environment with ease.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the science of silence is a testament to human ingenuity. It blends cutting-edge technologies with innovative design principles to create silent pods that redefine the workplace experience. As pioneers in the field, 800Phonepod stands as the Best Silent Pods and Meeting Booths Designer & Manufacturer Company In Dubai, UAE. We set the standard for silent pod design with unwavering excellence and relentless innovation. We are shaping the future of workspaces one pod at a time. Connect 800Phonepod and embrace the serenity of silence in your workplace today.

OFFICE Address –

RATW, DY 21, Al Jadaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Toll Free No: 800-737-4652

Mobile: 055 380 5148 / +971 56 392 5955

Email: inquiry@800phonepod.com

Website - https://800phonepod.com/

Our Social Media Presence –

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/800PHONEPOD 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/800_phonepod/

LinkedIn - https://ae.linkedin.com/company/800phonepod

[vaibhav-888]

How do I create collaborative spaces within office cabin designs?

In today’s dynamic work environment, fostering collaboration is crucial for innovation and productivity. Creating effective collaborative spaces within office cabin designs can enhance teamwork, encourage idea-sharing, and boost overall employee engagement. Here’s how to design office cabins that support collaboration while maintaining functionality and comfort.

1. Design Open Layouts for Flexibility

Open layouts are fundamental to creating collaborative spaces within office cabin designs. By minimizing physical barriers such as walls and cubicles, you encourage spontaneous interactions and easier communication. Use modular furniture and movable partitions to allow for flexibility in the workspace. This approach enables teams to reconfigure the space as needed for different projects or group sizes, enhancing adaptability and collaboration.

2. Incorporate Dedicated Collaboration Zones

Integrate specific areas within office cabins that are dedicated to collaboration. These zones can include brainstorming rooms, meeting pods, or lounge areas designed for informal discussions. Equip these spaces with whiteboards, interactive screens, and comfortable seating to facilitate brainstorming and idea-sharing. Creating dedicated collaboration zones helps ensure that employees have access to environments conducive to teamwork and creative thinking.

3. Use Ergonomic and Flexible Furniture

Furniture plays a key role in collaborative office cabin designs. Choose ergonomic and flexible furniture that supports various work styles and encourages group interaction. Adjustable desks, modular seating, and movable tables allow employees to configure their workspaces for different needs, whether for individual tasks or group meetings. Comfortable and versatile furniture enhances both productivity and collaboration by accommodating different work preferences.

4. Implement Technology for Seamless Collaboration

Technology integration is essential for effective collaborative spaces within office cabin designs. Equip collaborative areas with state-of-the-art AV systems, including high-definition screens, video conferencing equipment, and wireless presentation tools. Interactive whiteboards and digital collaboration tools enable teams to share and develop ideas in real-time. Ensure that all technology is user-friendly and well-integrated to minimize disruptions and enhance teamwork.

5. Foster a Creative and Inspiring Environment

Create an inspiring and stimulating environment to boost creativity and collaboration. Use vibrant colors, unique decor, and artwork to make collaborative spaces engaging and visually appealing. Incorporate elements such as plants, natural light, and comfortable lounge furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere. An aesthetically pleasing environment can enhance mood and motivation, leading to more effective and enjoyable collaboration.

6. Provide Privacy Options

While open spaces are important for collaboration, privacy options are also crucial for focused work. Incorporate acoustic panels, soundproof partitions, or privacy booths within the office cabin design to offer employees quiet spaces when needed. Providing options for both collaborative and private work ensures that employees can switch between teamwork and focused tasks without distractions.

7. Facilitate Easy Movement and Access

Design collaborative spaces with ease of movement in mind. Ensure that furniture and layout allow for smooth traffic flow and easy access to various areas. Avoid clutter and obstacles that could hinder movement or create bottlenecks. A well-organized layout promotes efficient collaboration by allowing team members to move freely and access necessary resources without difficulty.

8. Encourage Informal Interactions

In addition to formal meeting areas, create spaces that encourage informal interactions and spontaneous discussions. Cafes, lounges, or casual seating areas within office cabins provide opportunities for employees to connect and collaborate outside of structured meetings. Informal interactions can lead to creative breakthroughs and strengthen team relationships.

9. Include Collaborative Tools and Resources

Equip collaborative spaces with tools and resources that support effective teamwork. Provide access to shared resources such as printers, whiteboards, and projectors in these areas. Ensure that collaborative tools are easily accessible and maintained to support smooth and productive collaboration.

10. Gather Feedback and Iterate

Finally, gather feedback from employees on the effectiveness of collaborative spaces and be open to making adjustments. Regularly assess how well the design supports teamwork and collaboration, and be willing to make changes based on user experiences. Iterative improvements based on feedback help ensure that the office cabin design continues to meet the evolving needs of the team.

In conclusion, creating collaborative spaces within office cabin designs involves a combination of open layouts, dedicated zones, ergonomic furniture, and advanced technology. By fostering a creative environment, providing privacy options, and encouraging informal interactions, you can design office cabins that enhance teamwork and innovation. Implement these strategies to create a workspace that supports effective collaboration and contributes to a more dynamic and productive work environment. One can achieve these by getting in touch with the renowned design and build firm such as Flipspaces, who can help you with the same.